6/3/13 - Team Y.U.C.C.A.

Team Y.U.C.C.A. (Your Ultimate Coastal Climate Allies) When the opposing forces are daunting and odds are stacked high; and when success seems out of reach, some wilt and wither in the heat, while others hold fast and even prosper. Winston Churchill, in one speech to rally the hearts and vision of the British people during WWII, said, "we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." Football great Vince Lombardi is quoted as saying, "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will." During the heat of opposition this summer, there is one team that fights not only for survival, but victory; a team of vegetation with the will to win the war against coast climate oppression . . . Team Yucca.    Yucca 'Color Guard'

Yucca 'Bright Edge' A variegated fortress, our team of costal warriors is led in parade by the Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard.' This evergreen perennial, with its sword shaped leaves, is a fighter in almost any soil. It thrives in sandy coastal regions, withstands drought conditions, and is highly deer resistant. The Yucca 'Color Guard' wins in style, with creamy variegated leaves that change to a coral color in fall.   This Yucca taunts its opposition in July with a blooming cluster of creamy white flowers on a 5' spike that stands up to a couple of feet overhead. The right hand to the Yucca 'Color Guard' may be the Yucca filamentosa 'Bright Edge.' Variegated with creamy, white edges; this smaller, 3'x3' flowering Yucca grows best in full sun, but may bloom more modestly in shady areas.

Yucca 'Spanish Bayonet' Next in the line of Yucca defense, is the aptly named Yucca aloifolia 'Spanish Bayonet.' This warrior grows up to a massive 10'x10' in well drained soil and provides ample resistance with its sharp pointed, teeth trimmed swords. Trimming the points off can make this a more approachable ally, and still gain the full effects of a drought durable, flowering evergreen. Yucca 'Spanish Bayonet' grows well near brackish marsh, sand dunes, or in partially shaded shrub or entry areas. If the 'Spanish Bayonet' is the armored tank, then the versatile cavalry of the Yucca family may be the Yucca filamentosa 'Adams Needle.' Growing to around 18"x36", this southwestern native can be grouped with flowering perennials in beds or containers. This enduring fighter shoots a high bloom stalk that emerges anywhere from spring to summer, and is highly decorated for its service by the Royal Horticulture Society with an Award of Merit.

Gaillardia   Team Yucca is not exclusive, and actively recruits other coastal and heat hardy team members to its enduring cause of beauty and conservation in the face of oppressive climate conditions.  One example of a flowering perennial that has a preference for low quality soil and needs minimal maintenance is the Gaillardia aristata 'Arizona Sunset.'  An award winning recruit, this member of Team Yucca boasts compact growth and evenly growing, reddish-orange flowers trimmed in golden yellow and are a draw for butterflies.  Like 'Arizona Sunset,' which blooms from summer to early fall, the Gaillardia aristata 'Goblin,' boldly declares daisy-like blooms and are conditioned for toughness from their early days on the prairies of central to southwestern US.

There is no doubt that Team Yucca and its recruits are fit for duty. Come visit us or give us a call so we can help meet the drought tolerant plant needs of you and your customers. Reporting for duty!

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